Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service’s urban search and rescue (USAR) team tried in vain to rescue the animal on Friday, which had been stranded for more than two days in a tree overhanging the A1067 in Lenwade, between Norwich and Fakenham.

A tin of tuna was left at the base of the trunk in the hope that the pet moggy would eventually get hungry enough to brave a return to earth.

This morning, there was no sign of the cat in the tree.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We have had reports that the cat does not appear to be in the tree, and there is no evidence of any injury. “We don’t know exactly what has happened, but I imagine it has made its way home – it was probably very hungry.”

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the RSPCA had initially called for help because it was thought the cat was stuck by his collar. But when rescuers tried to rescue him with a ladder, but he climbed further up the tree to the point where it was no longer safe to try to reach him.

The spokesman said most cats usually will come down of their own accord.

Is this your pet cat? Can you confirm if it has come home safely? Contact Chris Hill on 01362 854701 or email chris.hill@archant.co.uk.

The cats are getting TB from cattle, who in turn get it from badgers. The "cull" seems to have been remarkably inefficient - were G4S involved? LoL As for the cost of the firemen - aren't they being paid anyway?

An equally good case could be made for saving drowning fish and buried rabbits. Cats climbing trees; unheard of! Incidentally where does “badger cull” come from? Cull: to reduce a population (of wild animals) by selective slaughter. This usually means removing the old and sick. The badgers are being subjected to a “localised extermination”. This phrase would not be at all accepted by the general population whatever the justification to protect cattle, despite the fact that the eradication of bovine tuberculosis is essential.